Helping to save the rhino

Helping to save the rhino

With the news of another appalling rise in rhino poaching this year, Plastic Surgeon is lending its full support to one conservation charity.

Plastic Surgeon is sponsoring Paignton Zoo’s Great Big Rhino Project, which is sending a powerful message with a sculpture named Hope.

Hope is a life-size fibreglass rhino, one of forty in the Great Big Rhino Project, which will appear in a free public art trail on the streets of Exeter and the English Riviera to raise awareness for rhino conservation.

Unlike the other rhinos on the trail, Hope has had her horn cut off to show the horrors of poaching in graphic detail.

Paignton Zoo’s Pippa Craddock commented: “I want people to find Hope shocking – because poaching IS shocking. Some people may be put off by her appearance, but this is the reality of the situation. Hope illustrates exactly why we are running The Great Big Rhino Project.”

Paignton Zoo artist Sue Misselbrook is painting Hope who will go on display out on the trail at the end of July. She’ll return in October, Plastic Surgeon will put her horn back on. Pippa: “If only we could do that in real life.”

Cathy Baillie, from Plastic Surgeon, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting The Great Big Rhino Project and hope it gains maximum exposure to highlight this cruel and inhumane poaching trade.

The Great Big Rhinos will come alive on Saturday 30th July. Money raised will be channelled through Save the Rhino International.

Plastic Surgeon’s Rhino Repair Squad will be on hand to repair any rhinos that get scratched or damaged while they are out on display to the public.